Revelation 9 12

Revelation 9:12 kjv

One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

Revelation 9:12 nkjv

One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.

Revelation 9:12 niv

The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come.

Revelation 9:12 esv

The first woe has passed; behold, two woes are still to come.

Revelation 9:12 nlt

The first terror is past, but look, two more terrors are coming!

Revelation 9 verses

Revelation 9 12 Meaning

Revelation 9:12 serves as a pivotal interlude in the series of divine judgments. It marks the definitive conclusion of the "first woe," which was unleashed by the fifth trumpet (Revelation 9:1-11), involving the torment inflicted by the demonic locusts. Simultaneously, it acts as a solemn, immediate announcement that two more "woes" are certain to follow, escalating the intensity and scope of the coming tribulations upon the inhabitants of the earth. This verse emphasizes the deliberate and sequential progression of God's wrath, providing a prophetic pause to underscore the shift towards even graver judgments.

Revelation 9 12 Context

Revelation 9:12 functions as a vital structural marker within the trumpet judgments, providing a moment of transition and prophetic summary. The immediately preceding verses (9:1-11) detailed the horror of the fifth trumpet, described as the "first woe"—a unique, tormenting plague of demon-locusts that did not bring death but an agonizing desire for it. This distinct judgment, affecting only those without God's seal, now concluded. Historically, John's first-century audience, grappling with Roman imperial power and pervasive idolatry, would find these visions a potent warning and reassurance. The ongoing biblical polemic against human stubbornness in the face of divine revelation is sharply highlighted, as these judgments, despite their severity, lead to a stark lack of repentance in the subsequent verses (9:20-21). This verse sets the stage for the increasingly devastating "second woe," brought forth by the sixth trumpet (9:13-21).

Revelation 9 12 Word analysis

• One Woe (Μία οὐαί / Mia ouai):

  • "One" (Mia): This cardinal number explicitly designates the singular completion of the first distinct phase in the series of announced judgments, drawing the reader's attention to its culmination.
  • "Woe" (Ouai): A Greek interjection conveying intense lamentation, sorrow, or a pronouncement of severe impending disaster. Its repetition from Rev 8:13 emphasizes the solemn, divine judgment rather than a mere unfortunate event, aligning with prophetic tradition (e.g., Isa 5).

• is past (ἀπῆλθεν / apēlthen):

  • "is past": Derived from aperchomai, meaning "to go away," "to depart," or "to have gone." The Greek aorist tense denotes a completed action with a definitive end and present consequence. It signifies that the first wave of tribulation has truly finished, making way for the subsequent, future events.

• and, behold (καὶ ἰδού / kai idou):

  • "and" (kai): A simple conjunction, smoothly bridging the conclusion of the past event with the declaration of the future.
  • "behold" (idou): A forceful Greek interjection, often found in prophetic or dramatic declarations, equivalent to "Lo!" or "Look!" It serves as an imperative, demanding immediate, emphatic attention to the impending, certain reality being announced, intensifying the solemnity of the moment.

• there come (ἔρχονται / erchontai):

  • "there come": From erchomai, meaning "to come" or "to go." The present tense used here carries a future implication, denoting the inevitability, certainty, and often the near approach of the stated event. It is a divine decree rather than a mere possibility.

• two woes (δύο οὐαί / duo ouai):

  • "two" (duo): This numerical qualifier confirms the progression and succession in God's judgment plan. It specifically indicates that exactly two more such severe pronouncements of judgment remain from the original declaration of three "woes" (Rev 8:13).
  • "woes" (ouai): The plural reiterates the identical profound pronouncement of severe distress or divine judgment, confirming the ongoing and systematic nature of the divine judgments rather than a random series of unfortunate events.

• more hereafter (ἔτι μετὰ ταῦτα / eti meta tauta):

  • "more" (eti): Meaning "yet," "still," or "in addition," it reinforces that what has just transpired is not the ultimate culmination of divine wrath; further, intensifying judgments are slated to occur.
  • "hereafter" (meta tauta): Meaning "after these things" or "subsequently." This phrase emphasizes the chronological and ordered sequence of the prophetic events. It serves as a structural marker frequently used in Revelation to introduce subsequent visions or phases of unfolding events.

Revelation 9 12 Bonus section

The structured declaration of "One woe... two woes more" follows a precise chiastic or sequential pattern commonly found in biblical narrative, emphasizing the deliberate and inescapable progression of God's judgments. The "three woes" (introduced in Rev 8:13, marked by Rev 9:12 and Rev 11:14) are directly correlated with the last three of the seven trumpet judgments: the fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets. This numerical framework within Revelation highlights God's organized and perfectly executed plan, even in judgment. The "woes" are specifically identified not just as calamities but as expressions of profound divine disapproval and consequences for widespread human sin and unrepentance, serving as dire warnings to those who reject the truth. The nature of these woes intensifies, demonstrating the comprehensive and relentless nature of divine justice.

Revelation 9 12 Commentary

Revelation 9:12 is more than just a transitional statement; it is a profound declaration reinforcing God's meticulous sovereignty over prophetic time and events. It precisely marks the cessation of the unique torment of the fifth trumpet, identifying it as the "first woe" fulfilled. The emphatic "behold" underscores the absolute certainty and imminent arrival of the subsequent, equally dire judgments, underscoring that the first wave of tribulation was merely a prelude. This verse serves as a crucial reminder of God's unyielding righteousness and the systematic outpouring of His justice. The distinct separation of "woes" emphasizes escalating severity, each judgment designed to prompt repentance, yet consistently revealing humanity's stubborn refusal to turn from sin, leading inevitably to further, more intense divine chastisement.